As Canada’s closest neighbour and the most powerful nation in the world, events in the United States have had a major impact on our country. The aim of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of the history of the United States from the earliest settlements to the present.

Major events and themes to be studied include: the American Revolution, the Civil War, WWI & WWII, the Great Depression, Segregation, and the Cold War. Students will also learn about the lives of the many great leaders who helped develop the United States into the nation it is today.

This course will develop the skills you need to make a variety of pastry items. Your learning will consist of classroom instruction and practical lab work. It will also include sanitation and safe equipment usage. You will learn how to produce commercial quality items such as breads and rolls, sweet dough, plain and sweet pastry, cookies, short breads, cakes and desserts.

This course will meet daily for 35 minutes, and involves rehearsing and performing a wide variety of band music, providing a basis for growth in basic playing techniques: good posture, breath control, phrasing and articulation. You will be required to participate in all Concert Performances, including Christmas Concerts, School Assemblies, local Music Festivals, and possibly an end of year Concert Tour, as planned by the music department. Much of your mark will be determined by the perception of your in-class performance, as well as solo performance tests. Prerequisite: Band 10G

This course involves singing choral music in many styles – from Bach to gospel to new and current music. Music theory is taught, aural skills are worked on and some small assignments are given, but most of the time is spent singing. Interest is of prime importance. Participation and individual musical growth are emphasized. The year’s activities include several concerts, and participation in the Fall concert, Christmas concert, Spring Concert and local festivals. Attendance is vital in this course as concerts are outside of the timetable. Concerts must be attended and participated in as part of the curriculum.

The purpose of Digital Pictures is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to convey a message through an original digital image. Digital Filmmaking will provide students with the skills and knowledge to tell stories by combining sound, still images, moving images, text, graphics, and animation into a video product. Students will plan, develop, and produce a video project.

Drama 20S picks up where Drama 10S left off. Full participation and exploration of dramatic elements, character development, awareness of self, cooperation and fun are all elements incorporated into this course. Participation “behind-the-scenes” or on stage in the school play is expected as part of the course work.

Level 1 is a full credit course which expands on your cooking knowledge and will delve deeper into food and nutrition topics. Topics will include foods that help or hinder health, global issues regarding food, trends in health and wellness. Be prepared to try new and different foods from around the world from main course meals, desserts, to a variety of fruits and vegetables.

This course is designed to enhance students’ written and oral skills in French as a second language. Emphasis is placed on usage of the past and future verb tenses. Students will also be introduced to French culture through literature, music, and food.

Prerequisite: French 10G

Life/Work Planning allows students to further examine careers and where their personality fits in with jobs in the real world. The focus of this course will be entrepreneurship and the development of a business plan for a business venture of the student’s choice.

Retailing provides students with an understanding of how the stores at which their families spend money operate. Students will look at which types of businesses are considered to be retailers, various types of retailing and possible careers in this field. Students will also explore all of the considerations that go into a retail business, such as choosing a location, day to day operations and selling & customer service.

Art 20S is designed to further develop ideas of art as they apply to the Principles of Design. The course provides a basis for growth in artistic expression, art appreciation, and art production as well as the opportunity to experience art as a personal journey. The main areas of study are balance, contrast, proportion, pattern, rhythm, emphasis, unity, and variety. Students will begin to express themselves in more individual projects. They will be expected to develop a final piece that represents their learning. Personal reflection through writing will also be key components in the class.

The Building Construction course will focus on the basics of building construction. It will begin with a history of construction, with mention of the various techniques used over time. This course will incorporate measurements, calculations of area, material take-off calculations, as well as basic framing techniques. The proper use of portable power tools and hand tools will also be a major focus of this course. This will include an introduction to drafting, a focus on construction terminology, and identifications of various building materials, including a wide variety of panel products.

The course will be limited to 15 participants, who must have passed and done well in the Grade 9 Technology Education course. Students who apply should have a good knowledge of Math, specifically fractions.

This course will teach students the basics of using the correct typing position and skills. Students will learn to type accurately and quickly and will also gain valuable skills that can be transferred to almost any occupation where computers are involved.